Written By:

Sara is a Mental Skills Coach specializing in work with athletes. She received her M.A. in Sports Psychology from John F. Kennedy University and did her undergraduate work at New York University. Sara also helps support busy working moms develop their mental skills and create more balance at getmombalanced.com.

You know that golf is an amazing game. It’s enjoyable, rewarding—though sometimes frustrating—and allows you to connect with other golfers while playing in a variety of locations. Golf has the potential to be a fantastic family outing: kids and adults can play together, golfers of different levels can enjoy the same course, and being outdoors is an excellent way for families to spend time together away from their screens.

As a mom, you might picture you and your daughter enjoying the game together: taking lessons, participating in a foursome, and cheering her on as a junior golfer. As a golfer, you might know that golf will teach her about patience, dedication, hard work, and may help her reach other goals she has. As a woman, you might picture the same future for her that you have now because of golf—a future full of friends going on golf outings and with business partners.

But what if your daughter isn’t interested in golf?

First off, don’t stress. Depending on your daughter’s age, she may be declining your invite simply because you asked. Girls in their early teens are notorious for being anti-anything that their parents suggest (especially suggestions from moms, but we don’t need to tell you that). If your daughter is older, she may be nervous or self-conscious about trying something new. Though she may not admit it, she might have concerns about how well she can play. Golf is, after all, a hard sport. And, if she knows your skill level, she may be scared to try.

Here are 3 tips to encourage your daughter to pick up a club:

1. Don’t try so hard.
Remember that kids (even older ones) will push back. You may want your daughter to give golf a try, but encouragement can feel like pressure. Yes, you can invite her to come to the range, or ask if she’d like to join you for a lesson, but if she says no, say something like “No problem—remember, you’re always welcome.” And then leave it alone. You can continue to share positive stories about your time on the course, and talk about what you enjoy, but don’t go overboard.

2. Share your experience.
Keep the first tip in mind, but also let your daughter know what it was like for you to start golf. If you sense that she’s feeling a bit nervous or hesitant, share moments that were similar for you and how you’re glad you pushed through. Hopefully, by hearing about the positive experiences (but not ad nauseam), you’ll pique her interest.

3. Try some external motivation.
If she thinks that golf isn’t cool, share about amazing female golfers or show off the fun clothing and equipment options for women. Treat her to lunch at the club one day. It’s okay to motivate in this way to create some initial interest. The idea is to gently encourage her to get out there to see what it’s like. But again, don’t push too hard.

Once your daughter has warmed up to the idea of playing, continue to gently encourage her. Also, remember that her journey is not your journey. She may not take to golf as quickly as you did (or she excels faster than when you started), and ultimately, golf may not be her game. That’s okay. The idea is to help her open up to the idea of golf.

You’ll be a golfer for a long time. That means there’s plenty of time to help her see what a rewarding game it is and how it could become something you can share and experience together. She’ll be more likely to enjoy golf and stick with it if she comes to play on her terms with your support and encouragement rather than having you push her toward it.

Do you have any advice to help encourage your daughter to play golf? Let us know in the comments below!

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It should be about fun .From the first swing. Sharing the experience with a friend is often a great start to enjoying many new adventures. Patiently and positively providing the opportunity to chip, pitch and putt golf balls are an excellent beginning.Guiding our children to set achievable goals should follow .
Admittedly golf is challenging, in that it takes some open space , and prepared surfaces such as putting greens. Enjoy their success. It’s a game worth learning about .
All the best,
Charles

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